| IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): | Least Concern
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| Approximate size(adult): | Large harrier measuring 43–54 cm in length with a wingspan of 115–130 cm. Males are brown with gray wings and tail, and a cream-colored crown and throat; females are dark brown with a yellowish crown and throat patch.
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| Resident/ Migrate from: | A partial migrant. Breeds across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia; northern populations migrate, while southern ones are resident.
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| Migrate to: | Winters in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. Regular winter visitor to wetlands and marshes across India.
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| Breeding season: | Breeds from April to August, depending on latitude. Nests built on the ground among dense reeds or grasses near water bodies. Lays 3–6 eggs.
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| Breed in: | Freshwater marshes, reedbeds, and wet meadows across Eurasia. Prefers habitats with tall emergent vegetation for nesting cover.
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| Habitat: | In winter, found in marshes, wetlands, paddy fields, and river floodplains. Often seen flying low over reedbeds or grasslands with slow, buoyant wingbeats.
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| Diet: | Predominantly carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, waterbirds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects; occasionally scavenges carrion.
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